Background for screens for pictures or stage.



UNITED STATESr PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN F. KIELEY, 0F OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO GEORGE G. LONG, 0F SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

BACKGROUND FOR SCREENS FOR PICTURES OR STAGE.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN F. KIELEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oakland, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Backgrounds for Screens for Pictures or Stage, of which the following is a specification. l

This invention relates to screens and backgrounds, and particularly to a screen or background for pictures or theatrical settings.

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel scene, background, or screen structure for producing an unusual and attractive eect, upon which may be projected, when used as a screen, images from various types of picture machines, or adjacent to which may be enacted theatrical performances when the device is used for a background or scene.

It is a further object of the present in` be of divers materials and various colors;

and to provide means for agitating or causing the curtains to vibrate or have wavelike motions.

The invention consist-s of a scenic or background structure comprising a drop frame, to which are connected tension devices or guides from which may be suspendedv a plurality of interconnected curtains or background screens, of suitable exterior proportions, each having the middle body portion cut away so as to expose successively the next rearmost parallel curtain, and means for vibrating the curtains.

It also comprises details of construction which will be more fully explained by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the figure is a perspective View, with the foremost frame or boundary curtain broken away to show the structure.

This invention is represented as compris- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application lecl .Tune 2, 1913.

Patented June 9, 191A.

Serial No. 771,253.

ing a substantial foremost drop structure, consisting of vertical legs 2 connected at the top by a rigid transverse brace or beam 3. The beam 3 may be raised or lowered, as desired, by drop ropes l from a theatrical loft when the apparatus is used upon a stage. The drop frame structure 2 may be rigidly braced, when lowered into position upon the stage or floor, by suitable braces 5, and it is preferably surmounted in the front by a portiere or ornamental covering or embellishment 6 of suitable material.

Approximately connected to the vertical legs 2 of the top member 3 of the drop frame is a series yof substantially parallel guide lines or suspension wires 7, of which a suitable number is provided, in vertical, superposed order and in horizontal parallel order, and which are extended rearwardly and joined'to a rearmost standard or frame structure 8, suitably braced, and which may be provided with a platform 9 whereupon an operator may move in the erection and adjustment of the device.

When the back frame or standard 8 is positioned with relation to the drop frame structure 2-3, after this has been securely fastened down, the several parallel suspension wires 7 will be drawn taut. Upon the wires 7 may be suitably spaced a series of curtains or screen members 10 having vertical side battens having suitable connections, as hooks or eyes 11, at their edges withthe vertical series of suspension wires 7, and each having a top batten l2 hooked or otherwise connected, as at 13, to the horizontal, spaced, parallel uppermost guide or suspension wires 7.

The screen sections or curtains l0 are preferably formed of pliable flowing material connected to the circumferential batten members, and the middle body portion of each of the curtains is preferably cut away to form an aperture 14, between the adjacent flowing edges of the curtain legs; the aperture 14 of each of the curtains 10 preferably decreasing successively in order from behind the foremost frame front 6 of the fixed frame structure, so that from the front view of the apparatus there will be rendered visible a succession of curtains, as 10, each having an aperture somewhat less in size than the preceding one, commencing from the front, until the last or rearmost of the curtains l0 may be substantially complete in area without any aperture, or may have an aperture.

From the foregoing it will be seen that `after the dro-p frame 2-3 has been lowered and securely mounted upon the staging and the back frame or standard 8 properly spaced and secured therefrom in vertical position so that the several guide or suspension .wires 7 will be drawn taut, then the operator may separate the substantially collapsed curtains 10 and space them at a suitable distance from each other in parallel relation and vertically while suspended from the horizontal or topmast series of suspension wires 7; the spacing' of the curtains lO being predetermined and held fixed by suitable iieXible ties or connections 15 at the vertical edges of the curtains 10.

A great variety of beautiful and interesting backgrounds can be readily produced by the employment oi. materials of various kinds and colors for the curtains l0. The surfaces of the curtains 10 can be suitably painted or decorated on either or both sides to produce a great variety of background scenes so that by simply reversing the curtains, a change oit' scene may be very quickly Yand readily had.

The novel appearance of the background may be greatly enhanced by employing any suitable means for causing the vibration of the freely flowing edges of the curtain legs, and in the present instance I have shown a blower 1G from which a blast of air can be directed toward the curtains l0 from one side and thus. produce a waving motion of the edges of the curtains.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. A background or scenic apparatus comprising a trussed, movable, front, vertical arch or frame, a vertical, movable rear arch or frame with brace legs, llexible, horizontal suspension lines connected to the tops and vertical legs of said frames adapted to permit the relative collapse of the frames and limiting their separation in vertical planes, and drapes with cut-away centers slidably suspended on said lines.

2. A background or scenicnapparatus comprising a trussed, movable, front, vertical arch or frame, a vertical, movable rear arch or :frame with brace legs, and a horizontal foot-board along its rear upper portion, ilexible, horizontal suspension lines connected to the tops and vertical legs of said frames adapted to permit the relative collapse of the frames and limiting their separation in vertical planes, and drapes with cut-away centers slidably suspended on said lines.

3. A background or scenic apparatus comprising a trussed, movable, front, vertical arch or frame, a vertical, movable rear arch or frame with bace legs, and a horizontal toot-board along its rear upper portion, flexible, horizontal suspension lines connected to the tops and vertical legs of said frames adapted to permit the relative collapse of the frames and limiting their separation in vertical planes, and drapes with cut-away centers slidably suspended on said lines and having rigid top and side battens.

t. A background or scenic apparatus comprising a trussed, movable, front, vertical arch or frame, a vertical, movable rear arch or frame with brace legs, and a horizontal foot-board along its rear upper portion, ilexible, horizontal suspension lines connected to the tops and vertical legs of said frames adapted to permit the relative collapse of the frames and limiting their separation in vertical planes, drapes with cut-away centers slidably suspended on said lines and having rigid top and side battens, and iiexible ties connected to the vertical battons for automatically separating and spacing the drapes when the main frames are erected and separated.

5. ln a scenic or background structure, demountable, portable main front and rear arch frames, iiexible lines in vertical and horizontal rows connecting said frames for limiting their separation and for forming suspension members, suitably colored, decorated ancl formed curtains collapsibly supported upon said members, and means connecting said curtains for automatically spacing` and holding the curtains upon the members when the structure is erected.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribingr witnesses.

JOI-IN F. KIELEY. lVitnesses JOHN H. HERRING, W. W. HEALEY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

- Washington, D. C. 

